Jordan Shi’Quan Brown, a loving son and friend with a special gift for making others smile, was born on December 2, 2005, in Hartsville, South Carolina. Known to his family and friends as a special person who enjoyed sports and cherished time with his family, his presence was a source of joy for those around him. Jordan, a 20-year-old Black man, was the son of Shawanda Brown and Lekea Durant.
He grew up surrounded by a large family, including his maternal grandfather, John Charles, and his paternal grandfather, James McLeod. Though he was preceded in death by a brother and his grandmothers, he remained close to his sister, Anefia Brown, and two brothers, Malik Gorham and Caden Durant. His family also included numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and two godmothers, reflecting a life deeply rooted in community and connection.
The evening of Thursday, October 1, 2026, brought a sudden and tragic end to Jordan’s life in Fayetteville, North Carolina. At approximately 6:46 p.m., officers from the Fayetteville Police Department were dispatched to the 8200 block of Cliffdale Road following reports of a shooting. When police and emergency medical personnel arrived at the scene, they found Jordan lying in the roadway. He was suffering from a gunshot wound. Despite immediate life-saving efforts by the first responders, Jordan Brown was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Fayetteville Police Department’s Homicide Unit immediately began an investigation into the shooting. Detectives worked quickly, and police officials stated that they did not believe the shooting was a random act of violence. Their investigation led them to identify a suspect within a day. While the police did not release details about what led to the shooting or what the relationship was between the victim and the suspect, their work resulted in a swift arrest. The shooting was one of five homicides to occur in Fayetteville over a 16-day period that fall, a fact noted in local news reports covering the string of unrelated fatal incidents.
On October 2, 2026, the day after the shooting, Fayetteville police arrested 18-year-old Ladarrius Blacknall. He was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Jordan Brown’s death. Following his arrest, Blacknall was taken to the Cumberland County Detention Center, where he was held without bond. The case against him is ongoing.
In the wake of his death, Jordan is remembered by his parents, siblings, grandparents, and a host of extended family members. His obituary also lovingly mentions a special friend, Tonya Lock, and two special step-children, O’nija and My’Lani Lock, all of Fayetteville. His family mourned the loss of a young man whose presence they would "surely miss." A public viewing was held on October 17, 2026, followed by a celebration of life service on October 18, both at the Powerhouse Faith Ministry in Lamar, South Carolina, allowing his community to honor his memory.
As of October 2026, the case was proceeding through the justice system following the arrest of the suspect. The Fayetteville Police Department asked anyone with information regarding the investigation to contact Detective B. Ramirez at (910) 309-6140 or to leave an anonymous tip with the Fayetteville / Cumberland County Crime Stoppers at (910) 483-TIPS (8477).
